Save to Pinterest A playful, refreshing soda float featuring vibrant cherry syrup and fresh fruit, perfect for an eye-catching treat that tastes as fun as it looks.
The first time I made these fruit soda floats, my friends couldn&t believe how beautiful and delicious they were. They quickly became my go-to treat for sunny afternoons, especially when I wanted to impress guests with something easy but stunning.
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Ingredients
- Cherry Syrup: 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp lemon juice
- Floats: 4 cups lemon-lime soda (or club soda for less sweetness), 8 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup fresh cherries (for garnish), 1/2 cup mixed berries (optional), whipped cream (optional), maraschino cherries (for decoration)
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Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cherries are soft and the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes). Mash the cherries gently, then strain the syrup through a fine sieve to extract as much liquid as possible. Stir in lemon juice and let cool completely.
- Assemble the Floats:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup into the bottom of each tall glass. Add a few fresh cherries and mixed berries if desired.
- Add Ice Cream:
- Carefully add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- Pour Soda:
- Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and syrup. Let the foam rise.
- Finish & Serve:
- Top each float with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add extra syrup for a vivid cherry-coded look. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Save to Pinterest These soda floats were a family hit during summer, with everyone competing for the most colorful creation. My kids loved adding their favorite berries and making swirls with extra syrup.
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Required Tools
Saucepan, fine mesh sieve, tall glasses, ice cream scoop, spoons and straws
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. For dairy-free or vegan, substitute with plant-based ice cream and whipped cream. Maraschino cherries may contain sulfites.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 290, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 2 g
Save to Pinterest 
Serve these floats ice-cold and enjoy the burst of color and flavor. They&re guaranteed to offer a fresh twist to any gathering!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the cherry syrup prepared?
Cherries, sugar, and water are simmered until soft and thickened, then strained and mixed with lemon juice for a bright, balanced syrup.
- → Can I substitute lemon-lime soda with something else?
Yes, club soda can be used for a less sweet option, maintaining the refreshing fizz.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh cherries, mixed berries, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries provide a layered, colorful garnish.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Plant-based ice cream and dairy-free whipped cream can replace traditional ingredients for a vegan-friendly version.
- → How long does it take to make the floats?
Preparation and cooking combined take about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy indulgence.
